Winn-Dixie asks to sell corporate jet

Winn-Dixie Stores Inc., which has about 20 locations in the Triangle, is asking the bankruptcy court for permission to sell its corporate jet to a real estate advisory firm or a higher bidder.

The U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of New York is expected to rule Wednesday on Winn-Dixie's plans to sell its 2002 Gulfstream G-200 jet for $15.18 million to Molinaro Koger Inc.

If the bankruptcy court approves, the nine-passenger jet will be sold along with two engines as well as parts, accessories and manuals.

In its filing Winn-Dixie said it has "engaged in extensive marketing efforts" to sell the jets and believes the $15.18 million offer from Molinaro Koger is the best it will get. The company also noted that if the plan is not approved by the court by March 30, with a final order not subject to appeal by April 10, the buyer can terminate the transaction.

Winn-Dixie officials decided last fall to sell the jet and hired Bloomer deVere Group Avia Inc. in October to serve as broker. Since October the jet has been marketed on two Web sites specializing in airplane sales, brokernet.com and aircraft.com, as well as on deVere's Web site.